Paul Kendrick

After days of speculation and negotiation, Latics have finally got their man in the form of Morsy, despite interest from a host of other clubs - including four from the Championship.

And they have also pushed through a deal to land Colclough, who has impressed in each of Crewe’s three games against Latics this term.

Both have put pen to paper on long-term deals and both are in contention to face Port Vale - a former club of Morsy - this weekend.

“They are players we have been keeping a close eye on so to be able to get both over the line now is a major boost for us,” admitted Caldwell.

“We saw their talent first hand in matches this season, and they both were both stand-out players in matches against Chesterfield and Crewe respectively.

“They are exactly the type of players we want at Wigan Athletic - young and hungry, but with plenty of experience at this level, at the same time as having the ability to progress and play in a higher division.

“Hopefully of course, that will be with us.

“Sam is an aggressive, talented central midfielder - a leader on and off the park.

“Ryan is a young talent who has the ability to get people off their seat.”

With £1million having already been shelled out for Yanic Wildschut - as well as the captures of Reece Wabara, Danny Whitehead and Dan Lavercombe - it’s a real statement of Wigan’s intent to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Morsy, 24, made over a century of appearances for Chesterfield, helping them win the League Two title and reach the final of the JPT during his time there.

He was also reportedly interesting Sheffield Wednesday, Preston, Rotherham, MK Dons and Portsmouth, but has opted to move to the DW Stadium.

Colclough, 21, has spent his entire professional career with Crewe, scoring 13 goals from 40 starts.

He scored in Wigan’s 3-2 JPT triumph at Gresty Road back in September, and hit the bar in the 1-1 draw between the sides at the weekend with a rasping drive that Jussi Jaaskelainen tipped on to the bar.

Morsy put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal and will wear the No.50 shirt.

Colclough has agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract and has elected to wear No.27.

Meanwhile, Latics midfielder Max Power has been nominated for the PFA League One Fans’ Player of the Month award.